Initial findings on the drowning incident at Achiase in the Atwima Mponua District point to overloading as the canoe accident.
Four people who were part of a group of ten crossing the River Offin drowned after it capsized in the middle of the journey.
According to the Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei-Mensah, the canoe involved in the accident had a capacity of five but was overloaded by five more people.
"The canoe they are talking about has the capacity of five people, unfortunately, I am told it had ten people on board. It has twice the capacity on board and if you have such a small canoe as the weight increases there is a possibility that it can take some water and the people can get drowned”, he explained.
He says though efforts are being made to procure safer plastic canoes, it is important for people to respect the capacity of canoes.
"If the capacity is five they should try as much as possible to take five people. I am also happy that the DCE says they are acquiring two new plastic canoes for them to help them cross the river”, he added.
The mortal remains of three of the four who went missing on the river have since been retrieved by rescue teams.
Made up of predominantly farmers, the community members have their farms and property beyond the Offin River, they cross the river with boats for their daily survival.
Latest Stories
-
Today’s front pages: Friday, May 3, 2024
40 mins -
CAFCC: USM Alger file appeal at CAS to contest CAF’s decisions on RS Berkane jersey
1 hour -
Africa’s Outstanding Professional, Engr. Ebenezer Kwadjo Dankyi
2 hours -
Edudzi Tameklo insists Cecilia Dapaah’s case requires FBI’s findings for completeness
3 hours -
Deloitte Ghana wins Africa ESG Company of the Year 2024
3 hours -
Medical Laboratory Professionals threaten to strike over conditions of service
5 hours -
Residents of Anloga, Keta express frustration over ECG billing
5 hours -
I don’t believe in praying in tongues – Strongman
6 hours -
‘After The floods’: VRA and GMet clash over cause of Akosombo Dam spillage disaster
6 hours -
‘After The Floods’: Victims suffer harsh conditions 6 months after Akosombo dam disaster
6 hours -
Akufo-Addo to unveil Otumfuo commemorative stamp
6 hours -
EduSpots distributes over 100 tablets and laptops to 30 community-led education spaces
7 hours -
Taxation is driving away investors – FABAG General Secretary
7 hours -
Effutu MP commissions office for Hepatitis B; absorbs cost of testing, vaccination and management
7 hours -
Bawumia pushes for land digitisation to tackle land guard menace
7 hours